A pre-wedding photo shoot is a term used to describe different photos taken before a wedding. Some are like engagement photos, except that they may be scheduled anytime, including right before the wedding. Read on to learn if scheduling a pre-wedding photoshoot is right for you.
Reasons to Book a Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot
Because a wedding is often one of the most significant and special milestones in life, it’s only natural that people would like to have as many memories as possible. To that end, you may want to book your wedding photographer for a longer session, so that they can capture moments in the hours leading up to the ceremony. If you opt to hire your wedding photographer a few extra hours before the ceremony, you can ensure you wind up with photos that may include:
- Bride getting hair and makeup done
- Bride’s family seeing the bride in her gown
- Bridesmaids getting ready
- Parents of the bride getting ready
- Toasting with the bridal party
- Groomsmen getting ready
- Groom’s parents getting ready
- Bridal party on the way to the ceremony
Other couples decide to have a pre-wedding photo shoot because they had a long engagement, and the engagement photos are from a year or more earlier. Still others, such as those who elope, choose to book pre-wedding photos in case they decide to marry quickly, without planning a formal ceremony or reception. Some couples may wish to do a trial run of their hair and makeup, to ensure they like the way it looks before the big day.
Other couples opt for a pre-wedding photo shoot for practice! This gives time to try out different poses, get comfortable in front of the camera, and brainstorm ideas for the wedding day. Plus, many couples use their engagement or pre-wedding photos to send out save-the-date cards or thank-you cards for gifts.
Finally, because pre-wedding shoots scheduled in the days or weeks ahead of the wedding are less formal than wedding day photos, it’s a way to memorialize the love between partners, in more relaxed attire and venues. Couples aren’t hyper-aware of guests waiting for them, so the images may capture couples in comfortable, natural, but loving shots.
Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot: Ideas for Professional Photos
For couples who love the idea of a pre-wedding photo shoot but aren’t sure where the photos should be taken, consider some of these locations.
- Where You Met
- Where You Got Engaged
- Where You Love Spending Time (for example, if you love live music, have shots in front of a favorite concert hall/amphitheater. If you love snowboarding or skiing, have your photos taken at a ski lodge, etc.)
- At Your Bridal Shower
- At Your Rehearsal Dinner
- At a Pre-Wedding Brunch, Tea, or Party
- Near Lakes, Waterfalls, Rivers, or the Ocean (popular if your wedding is in a traditional indoor venue)
- Nature (parks, hiking trails, gardens)
- City (downtown area)
Book a Pre-Wedding Photography Session
LifeSlice Photography is a top-reviewed wedding photographer in Lane County, OR. The husband and wife team of Mike and Elsie Nordtvedt have been selected as a Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice award-winning wedding photography team year after year. To discuss your engagement, pre-wedding, or wedding day photography needs, send us a message or call 541-914-7977.